Beyond the town centre, Colchester lies on the border of Constable Country, an area of natural beauty that inspired the English landscape painter John Constable, and includes the areas depicted in some of his most famous paintings including the Haywain.
Colchester's history and culture often intertwine. You can visit a Roman Theatre, or look at historic art in the Castle. Further afield you can find Medieveal wall paintings in Copford Church.
Colchester's Cultural Highlights
Colchester's contemporary art gallery hosts exhibitions, film screenings, talks, activities and much more.
The highly regarded Mercury Theatre stages both touring and self-produced plays in it's main auditorium. It also has a smaller studio theatre.
From live music and comedy to live art and children's shows, there's always something happening at Colchester Arts Centre
Live music, stand-up comedy, dancing, and more. There's something for everyone after dark in Colchester.
Theatres and Shows
There's no shortage of Theatres in Colchester, with the Mercury Theatre and smaller Headgate Theatre serving the town centre, and the Lakeside Theatre based on the University of Essex campus just outside town.
The Mercury Theatre is the town's largest, and main producing Theatre, whilst the Headgate is the home of amateur theatre in Colchester. The Lakeside stages smaller productions as well as shows by students at the University.
Aside from the traditional theatres, Colchester Arts Centre often programmes plays and more challenging productions, whilst in the summer months you can find pop-up productions in a variety of gardens, churches and unused spaces around town.
Theatres in Colchester
Shows coming up
Galleries & Exhibitions
Just over the road you can find The Minories Gallery, run by the Colchester School of Art which has a dynamic exhibition programme, often including locally based artists. Their tearoom is run by Wilkin and Sons, makers of Tiptree Jam, and their shop is a treasure trove of locally crafted items and art.
As well as art exhibitions, you can find a wealth of talks, activities, and performances taking place around town.
Exhibitions Coming Up and Now On
Something Fierce
Sat 23 Feb - Fri 19 Jul 2019
An Exhibition about the University of Essex’s Brutalist Architecture and Academic Vision
Days Like These
Thu 14 Mar - Sun 26 May 2019
Reclaiming the beauty of Jaywick Sands - Days Like These is an exploration of the beauty of Jaywick Sands using watercolours, sound and virtual reality.
Behind the Lines: Alfred Munnings, War Artist 1918
Sat 23 Mar - Sun 3 Nov 2019
Exhibition of Alfred Munnings' War Paintings
The Man who Painted Colchester and Sudbury
Sat 4 May - Sun 2 Jun 2019
An exhibition of the work of Charles Debenham at Chappel Galleries
Coggeshall Art Group Annual Art Exhibition
Fri 24 - Mon 27 May 2019
Exhibition of art by local artists in the Coggeshall Parish Church of St.Peter ad Vincula, , Coggeshall CO6 1UD
Forests - Art Exhibition
Sat 25 May - Fri 21 Jun 2019
Exhibition in the Level Best Gallery in Colchester, called "Forests" from May until June 2019.
An Exhibition of Art Work
Sat 25 May - Sun 2 Jun 2019
An exhibition of mixed media art work from local artists including Colin Smith, Dave Peck, Julie Bowes and John Talman.
The Bird Alphabet exhibition of Sculpture painting
Mon 27 May - Sat 15 Jun 2019
Art exhibition at the Minories Galleries
Colchester School of Art, Summer Exhibition 2019
Thu 13 Jun 2019
End of Year Exhibition showcasing the work of local students at Colchester Institute
Colchester School of Art, Summer Exhibition 2019
Fri 14 Jun 2019
End of Year Exhibition showcasing the work of local students at Colchester Institute
Colchester School of Art, Summer Exhibition 2019
Sat 15 Jun 2019
End of Year Exhibition showcasing the work of local students at Colchester Institute
Colchester School of Art, Summer Exhibition 2019
Mon 17 Jun 2019
End of Year Exhibition showcasing the work of local students at Colchester Institute
Historic Art and Culture in Colchester
Discover the landscapes that inspired some of the most recognisable art ever produced in Britain. John Constable was born and grew up close to Dedham on the Essex/Suffolk border.
Colchester Castle's collection of objects from Roman Britain is rivalled only by the British Museum. Also in town explore the ruins of a Roman Theatre and be sure to visit Britain's only known Roman Circus.
Take a trip out to St Michael and All Angels Church in Copford where you can see some of the best preserved Norman wall-paintings in Britain.
Pallot & Collins Concrete Murals
Discover a series of concrete murals around Colchester Town Centre depicting its history and famous characters from it's past.
More Culture in Colchester
Browse one-off and special film screenings in Colchester. Watch out for outdoor screenings in the summer and Colchester Film Festival in the autumn
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Regular programmes of classical music are curated by Colchester's arts venues, local churches, and other venues. The Roman River Music Festival is a yearly highlight.
Colchester has a thriving stand-up scene with several different sized venues hosting a wide range of comedians and shows. you will find a particularly busy schedule during the yearly Colchester Comedy Festival
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You can find live music week-in week-out in the pubs and bars of Colchester as well as bigger names throughout the year at venues like Colchester Arts Centre. Every summer, you can also find music festivals in Castle Park.
Browse our culture listings for Colchester
More things to do in Colchester
